Question

Anyone else breastfeeding with a nipple shield?

Share

My 4 month old is exclusively bf and I have had a problem since day 1 with him latching on. As soon as we got home, I used a nipple shield and he hasn't had any problems with that. What I was wanting to know is if anyone else is having to use one and/or used it for longer periods of time with success. My supply is just fine but I don't want to give up breastfeeding at all. I want at least a year's worth in him. :) During our feedings, I take off the shield and try to get him to latch on, but he will not have any of that lol. Thanks!

Mom Answers

I checked with two LC's, and one said the shield was fine to use longer term, and the other said it wasn't a good idea and it could threaten my supply. I ended up using the shield for almost 9 months with no issues! Then, one day, my LO just latched, and we haven't looked back since. The nipple shield saved my bf-ing relationship! If you have questions or concerns, check with a lactation consultant. Even Medela has LC's available online.

Hi there! My daughter was super tiny when she was born and did not have enough strength to latch on my nipple, also maybe because I have a really small and almost flat one. And I have to say - god bless those shields - they saved our breastfeeding! Se was eating successfully with them for 2 months long. Then we we were going on a trip and I thought it would be great to try without them, so I did and she was fine since that day! So it was two months for us. And my cousin was feeding her daughter with the shield all the time, for one year long. Her daughter is 3 years now and she is a cute healthy and happy girl. So, I don't believe there can be any problem of y keep on using them. But just keep on trying to latch without them, just as I did with my mini one :) good luck.

This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Please review the Terms of Use before using this site. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use.

This site is published by BabyCenter, L.L.C., which is responsible for its contents as further described and qualified in the Terms of Use.